Ampadu Leaves Chelsea On Loan

Chelsea youngster Ethan Ampadu has joined Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig on a season-long loan deal. The Wales international is highly-rated at Stamford Bridge and has made 12 appearances across all competitions since joining from Exeter two years ago.

The 18-year-old certainly appears to be part of the long-term thinking at Chelsea as he put pen to paper on a new five-year contract last September. New Blues boss Frank Lampard is a big fan of Ampadu, admitting he tried to sign the teenager on loan while he was in charge of Derby last season.

However, Lampard also feels, given the quality within Chelsea’s squad, the starlet will benefit from a loan in the Bundesliga, as he will also get the opportunity to play Champions League football during his time at Leipzig.

Lampard said: “I tried to sign Ethan on loan at Derby last year so I’m a big fan, but with the minutes he played last year, in the interest of Ethan and of Chelsea, the idea he can play a lot of games somewhere could be good for him. “I really wanted to work with Ethan this year. That’s a slight disappointment, but it’s to benefit of him. In midfield and defence we have a lot of quality, so each player is a case by case.”